The Paper Vespiary

Dolichovespula maculata ~ Bald Face Hornet

I took a look around the garden this afternoon for today's blip and was completely stunned to see these black and white Bald Face Hornets busily building a nest for their queen in my rose bush! This is a first for me, and after checking the web for information about these insects, I know I'm going to have to nip them in the proverbial bud by tonight.

It's a pity that these hornets are so very aggressive since their nest is really quite lovely. But unfortunately, these hornets will attack without provocation and their stingers are smooth which allows each one to sting their target repeatedly. I was very nervous about getting too close to them so I used the 300 zoom. View large here to see the little buggers.

On a happier note, I'm headed on a road trip tomorrow to spend five fun filled days with 200 plus Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky Roadster enthusiasts. We're celebrating our seventh Annual National Meet in Asheville, North Carolina, during this week of the summer Solstice! I'm so excited and have a zillion things to do even yet!

I plan to keep up with everyone's journals, but there's a good chance I'll be backblipping and playing catch up.

Hope everyone is having a marvelous Monday!